Let the Flipping Begin: 10 Homes in Prime Spots for a Quick Score

Flipping a house is the ultimate dream of any devoted HGTV watcher. You know the story by now: Have the wherewithal to buy a house on the cheap, bring said house up to date with design and decor tweaks, and then sell it for a profit. Sucess!

But what do real properties look like before the flip? Of course, it depends. We recently looked at the hottest markets for house flipping and found towns where savvy buyers might make a sweet return on their investment.

Spurred by the wide range of flip-crazy cities we uncovered, we were curious to see what a potential project really looked like in each city.

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We pinpointed homes selling below the median price for each city (with one exception) and found 10 solid candidates for a fast flip. They aren’t stunning to look at—but, hey, that’s the idea: You have to see beyond the lack of curb appeal, the ’70s-era wood paneling, and the hideous carpet choices to find the right candidate.

That said, none of the homes we found is beyond repair. There are no boarded-up windows, fenced-off front yards, or partly standing buildings to see here. So if you have the budget and imagination, these are all prime targets for a worthy flip.

1223 Harcross LnPrice: $85,900 ($176,100 less than city median)The project: Start with the landscaping: Cut the trees way back, and put in fresh sod. Inside this three-bedroom home, you’ll want to put down new flooring (maybe wood laminate?), paint everything, and update the kitchen.

7218 Trousdale PlPrice: $245,000 ($110,000 less than city median)The project: Landscaping is key here as well; the curb appeal could really use a boost. Inside, you’ll probably want to update the very ’70s stone fireplace, replace the green tile countertops in the kitchen, and freshen up the cabinetry. Maybe a wall or two could be removed to give the home a more open feel?

1715 Nassau StPrice: $165,000 ($165,000 less than city median)The project: The shingles out front are a bit drab. A fresh coat of exterior paint and new shingles will go a long way. Inside, the red carpet has to go and the kitchen needs a fair amount of attention.

6321 Frost DrPrice: $179,900 ($60,100 less than city median)The project: Curb appeal isn’t a problem here. The house itself looks to be in good shape. It just needs updating and a serious declutter session. Call in Marie Kondo! We see an opportunity to get this back on the market quickly.

4932 Franklin AvePrice: $264,900 ($12,900 more than city median)The project: While this home is listed over the median price in NOLA, the homes under the median in the city offer little hope if you’re not a professional contractor. This handsome brick home is right in the middle of a remodel. The front rooms of the house sparkle, but the kitchen needs help and the carpet in the bedrooms must go. Bonus: There’s a unit out back waiting to be finished—it would be a sweet income opportunity.

6626 Haas AvePrice: $399,000 ($276,000 less than city median)The project: We’re used to the multimillion-dollar mansions of L.A., but this home on the south side of the city proves there’s plenty of affordable housing stock in SoCal. The classic Spanish-style house gives off strong grandma vibes right now, but an update and fresh paint could restore its vintage charm.

7317 Millertown PikePrice: $79,900 ($143,100 less than city median)The project: Built in 1899, this home has been remodeled within the past five years, according to the listing. Even if it’s less than 5 years old, the carpet needs to come out, pronto. A fresh coat of paint also needs to be applied to the interior.

214 Admiral StPrice: $80,000 ($231,000 less than city median)The project: On the brink of tiny house–dom, this 532-square-foot studio looks plenty cute from the exterior. The colorful glass windows are a nice touch as well. That said, the living space, bedroom, and kitchen could all use a refresh. Unleash this tiny home’s charm!

1333 E Monterosa StPrice: $199,500 ($100,500 less than city median)The project: Update, update, update. The bones are there, but the flooring needs some love. We know tile floors are great for the desert, but this home needs a warmer surface. The blush-colored carpeting in the bedrooms is also ripe for removal.

1995 Wabash StPrice: $265,000 ($215,000 less than city median)The project: Tile floors don’t make as much sense in Colorado, so the current floors should make way for new hardwood. The three-bedroom home’s tiny kitchen could also use an extreme makeover.

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